By Uzair Adam
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing into claims of banditry sponsorship in the North-West region of Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, assuring that relevant agencies are thoroughly examining the matter.
These investigations follow accusations and counter-accusations between the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and his successor as Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, concerning the alleged funding of banditry in the region.
Earlier this week, Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an, denying any involvement in the sponsorship of bandits.
Lawal responded by stating he had evidence implicating Matawalle, and that he had reported the case to the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu.
When asked about the military’s involvement in the situation, Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated that the appropriate agencies were handling the investigation and that updates would soon follow.
“Our focus remains on defeating the bandits and undermining their will to continue fighting. Once we destroy their will to fight, the war is over,” Buba stated, noting the military’s achievements between July and September 2024, including the neutralization of 1,937 terrorists, among whom were 65 key insurgent leaders.